What is caesura?

Caesura is a literary device that involves a distinct pause or break in the rhythm of a line of poetry. Typically, it occurs in the middle of a line, usually marked by punctuation such as a comma, semicolon, or dash. The purpose of caesura is to create emphasis on a particular word or phrase, to evoke a pause for dramatic or rhythmic effect, or to allow the reader to reflect on the meaning of the line. It can also be used to create tension or contrast within the poem.